perceived problem solving skills of married couples...

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 129

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Makale Gönderim Tarihi:06.11.2015 Makale Kabûl Tarihi:24.04.2016

Perceived Problem Solving Skills of Married Couples

Predicting Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Towards Their Marriages1

Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS*

Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi, Eğitim Fakültesi, Davutpaşa Kampüsü, Esenler / İstanbul / Türkiye

Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL

Marmara Üniversitesi, Atatürk Eğitim Fakültesi, Göztepe Kampüsü, Kadıköy / İstanbul / Türkiye

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which perceived problem solving skills of married individuals predict their self-efficacy beliefs towards marriage. The study was a descriptive study and designed according to the relational model. The population consists of married individuals who worked in and were

1 This study was derived from the Master Thesis by Seher Merve Erus, under the supervisory of Asst. Prof. Nilgün Canel, Marmara University.

130 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL parents of the public schools under the Ministry of National Education in Bahçelievler, Istanbul. The sample consists of 393 married couples. Marital Self-efficacy Scale, Marital Problem Solving Scale and personal information form were used in the study. A simple linear regression analysis was conducted in order to determine married individuals’ problem solving skills predictive power regarding their marital self-efficacy. According to the simple linear regression analysis, problem solving skills were significant predictors of married couple’s marital self-efficacy beliefs. Keywords: Marital self-efficacy; Marital problem solving skills; Married individuals.

Evli Bireylerin Algılanan Problem Çözme Becerilerinin

Evliliklerine Yönelik Öz Yeterlik İnançlarını Yordaması

Öz

Bu araştırmanın amacı evli bireylerin evlilikte algılanan problem çözme becerilerinin evliliğe yönelik özyeterlik inançlarını ne derece yordadığını belirlemektir. Araştırma, betimsel bir araştırma olup ilişkisel tarama modeline uygun olarak düzenlenmiştir. Araştırmanın evreni, İstanbul ili Bahçelievler ilçesi Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı’na bağlı devlet okullarında çalışan ve bu okulların velisi olan evli bireylerden oluşmaktadır. Örneklemi, İstanbul ili Bahçelievler ilçesine bağlı 393 evli birey oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada ölçme aracı olarak Evlilikte Yetkinlik Ölçeği, Evlilikte Sorun Çözme Ölçeği ve kişisel bilgi formu kullanılmıştır. Evli bireylerin algılanan problem çözme becerilerinin evliliklerine yönelik özyeterlik inançlarını yordama gücünü belirlemek amacıyla basit doğrusal regresyon analizi yapılmıştır. Basit doğrusal regresyon analizi sonucunda algılanan problem çözme becerilerinin, evli bireylerin evlilikte özyeterlik inançlarını anlamlı şekilde yordadığı bulunmuştur. Anahtar Kelimeler: Evlilikte özyeterlik; Evlilikte problem çözme becerisi; Evli bireyler.


Introduction

Family is the basis of the Turkish social structure and marriage

forms the basis of the family structure. Marriage is a crucial organ of

Turkish society. Marriage is a contract between two people of opposite

sex signed with the aim of living together, sharing their experiences,

making children and raising them. In addition, marriage is recognized

as a legal relationship between a male and a female adult which

imposes specific rights and obligations on them. It is a socially

recognized that relationship is based on sustaining the breed (T.C.

Ministry of Family and Social Policies, 2011). The family environment

which emerges with marriage has major contributions to family

members. Love, respect, trust, and communication provided in the

family environment is crucial for family members. Family members

meet their substantial needs such as loyalty, forming a sincere, warm

and close relationship, having trust, gaining respect and love. The

healthy relationship and effective behaviors that married couples show

to each other throughout their marriage have significant effects on

meeting the needs of family members interaction and communication

between the couples forms the basis for the family life. Problems

between the couples due to various reasons can arise during this

interaction process. What is important to effectively solve these

problems. The problems that occur between couples throughout

marriage not only affects family members but also the mental health of

the community (Bradbury, Fincham and Beach, 2000; Canel, 2007;

Özgüven, 2000). Thus, it is important for couples to have healthy

marriages, to improve their marital relationships and to overcome

132 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL marital problems. Marital self-efficacy belief contributes to the

marriage to advance in this direction (Mitchell, 2012).

Marital self-efficacy belief is defined as the personal belief of a

married individual that he or she can be successful in overcoming

marital problems or that he or she can maintain the marital relationship.

Marital self-efficacy belief is important for the nature and quality of a

marriage (Arias, Lyons and Street, 1997; Cihan-Güngör, 2007;

Mitchell, 2012). Bandura (1986) defines self-efficacy belief based on

the social-cognitive theory as the belief of an individual to starting the

behavior, which can influence the events of the setting, and maintaining

it until getting results. In other words self-efficacy is the belief related

to an individual’s skill to think about possible conditions, to organize

necessary activities and to successfully practice the activities he or she

organized.

According to Bandura’s (1986) social-cognitive theory,

relationship self-efficacy is defined as the belief concerning the

individual’s skill to display behaviors which are necessary to

successfully maintain and enhance a romantic relationship (Lopez and

Lent, 1991; Shurts, 2004). Marital self-efficacy belief is defined as the

personal belief regarding an individual’s skill to maintain his or her

marital relationship and to be successful in overcoming marital

problems (Cihan-Güngör, 2007; Seabrook, 1997). Relationship

self-efficacy and marital self-efficacy can be said to bear the same

meaning. Relationship self-efficacy is related to evaluating romantic

relationships such as dating, betrothal or engagement and marital

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 133 self-efficacy is related to evaluating relationships that emerge with the

marriage process. It can be said that self-efficacy belief is highly

important for close relationships.

The concept of relationship self-efficacy emerged with the

models introduced by Doherty (1981a, 1981b), Fincham and Bradbury

(1987), Lopez and Lent (1991). In further studies, relationship

self-efficacy was examined with various variables and it was suggested

that it has a major role in close relationships (Arias et al., 1997; Cui,

Fincham and Pasley, 2008; Dostal and Langhinrichsen-Rohling, 1997;

Cihan-Güngör, 2007; Lopez, Morua and Rice, 2007; Mitchell, 2012;

Riggio et al., 2011; Seabrook, 1997; Shurts, 2004; Thomas, 1998).

Self-efficacy belief in romantic relationships influences the interaction

with the spouse, the quality of the relationship and enables it to be

long-lasting. While a high level of relationship self-efficacy belief

increases the belief in successfully maintaining close relationships, a

low level of relationship self-efficacy belief causes the individual to

feel uneasy and incompetent about his or her relationship (Riggio et al.,

2011). Family members and couples have a major influence of the

increase in marital self-efficacy. General experiences, indirect

experiences, social persuasion and psychological conditions that

Bandura (1997) defined as sources that increase self-efficacy are also

effective in increasing marital self-efficacy (Mitchell, 2012).

General experiences of an individual can highly affect the marital

relationship. Personal involvement (which belongs to the present or the

past depending on the individual) is considered in an individual’s

134 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL self-efficacy belief about a close relationship. Evaluating the close

relationships with the people that one enters in is included under this

title (Shurts, 2004). In order for individuals to make positive changes in

their relationships, they have to overcome the obstacles which they

encountered in the past. Couples should be able to enter into positive

communications, make positive decisions, share resolutions, organize

their plans and carry them out and share their success and failures

through general experiences. Thus, communication skills, decision

making skills and problem solving skills of an individual can improve.

These skills can increase the success and sharing experiences of

couples and can enable them to overcome failures (Mitchell, 2012).

Similarly, indirect experiences can influence an individual’s

marital life and marital self-efficacy belief. The individual can observe

people who have close relationships in his or her environment. In

relationship self-efficacy, individuals observing their family, the

relationships between family members, the romantic relationships

between their friends and in fact the media (TV, show programs,

newspaper articles, internet websites) are among indirect experiences

(Shurts, 2004). Because family members have similar characteristics,

and by observing each other’s successful behaviors they can take each

other as an example and also believe that they can themselves display

those behaviors. The same goes for couples as well. An individual who

observes his or her spouses small successes can have a self-efficacy

belief for similar behaviors (Mitchell, 2012). Together with positive

interaction, couples taking each others’ behaviors as models and

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 135 believing that they will be successfully affect their self-efficacy beliefs

as well as the their children’s development.

Married couples can also display social persuasion behaviors

towards each other. Social persuasion in relationship self-efficacy takes

place with the spouse who the individual has a close relationship, with

friends and family members. For example if a father constantly says

“You will never marry a decent man” to his daughter, then this is a

negative social persuasion and will negatively affect his daughter’s

self-efficacy belief. When the friends of the same girl say, “You can

enter in good relationships with people and you won’t have a difficulty

in finding a boyfriend”, then this social persuasion will boost her

relationship self-efficacy belief (Shurts, 2004). Similarly, positive and

encouraging words that couples say to each other will increase marital

self-efficacy belief.

Psychological events that occur throughout marriage can be said

to be crucial elements that affect marital self-efficacy belief. The

emotional state of individuals, who experience depression due to

negative relationships with their spouse, will affect their functionality

in other areas and their relationship self-efficacy will decrease

(Cihan-Güngör and Özbay, 2008; Shurts, 2004). The negative

emotional state, which is due to various reasons, of an individual's

psychology will be evident in other areas and the individuals

self-efficacy belief in a relationship will be affected by this. Similarly,

an individual's physiology which is in a positive emotional state can

have positive effects on other areas (Shurts, 2004). Pajares (2002) states

136 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL that for the self-efficacy belief to increase, negative emotional states

need to be decreased. Also this will increase physical and emotional

well-being. It can be said that the spouses having positive emotions

increases their marital self-efficacy beliefs.

Studies have put forward that when self-efficacy belief in a

relationship is high, expectation for problem solving (Doherty, 1981a,

1981b), relationship satisfaction (Cui et al., 2008; Lopez, et al., 2007;

Lopez and Lent, 1991), adjustment to each other and relationship

determination (Lopez and Lent, 1991), expectation for relationship

success (Riggio et al., 2011), marital satisfaction (Arias et al., 1997;

Mitchell, 2012) and marital determination (Arias et al., 1997) will be

high as well. In addition, the individual having a low level of marital

and relationship self-efficacy belief is believed to be related to conflicts

being settled with ineffective resolutions (Doherty, 1981a, 1981b), with

the individual feeling hopeless (Fincham and Bradbury, 1987) and

anxious about the relationship (Riggio et al., 2011).

Happiness in marriage is related to relationship skills of couples

and problem solving is a crucial relationship skill. According to studies

on marital problem solving skills, effective problem solving skills in

marital issues have a significant contribution to marital satisfaction

(Erbek, Beştepe, Akar, Eradamlar and Alpkan, 2005). It is important

for couples to avoid displaying negative expressions to each other while

solving problems (Stanley and Trathem, 1994). Destructive and

negative communication between couples are linked to decrease in

marital quality and effectiveness and to increase in divorce rates

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 137 (Bradbury et al., 2000; Birditt, Brown, Orbuch and McIlvane, 2010;

Stanley, Markman and Whitton, 2002) Couples are not always

expected to arrive at a consensus. However, reaching a common ground

and seeking ways to arrive at a consensus is necessary for a healthy

relationship (Canel, 2007; Rosen-Grandon, 1998). In short, with

regards to effective problem solving behaviors displaying constructive

behaviors such as cooperating, making a positive communication,

arguing in a calm manner and actively listening are factors that increase

the effectiveness in marriages (Akçabozan and Hatipoğlu-Sümer, 2013;

Birditt et al., 2010; Hacı, 2011; Özen, 2006; Tallman and Hsiao 2004).

Studies underline that adjustment in marriage increases when

intra-family communication is more effective and when couples

increase the search for positive solutions for conflicts (Ahmadi,

Ashrafi, Kimiaee and Afzali, 2010; Akgün and Polat-Uluocak; 2010;

Chiu, 1998; Ebenuwa-Okoh, 2008; Greef and De Bruyne, 2000;

Güven, 2005; Hacı, 2011; Hünler and Gençöz, 2003; Karney and

Bradbury, 1997; Malkoç, 2001; Özen, 2006; Sardoğan and Karahan;

2005; Winemiller and Mitchell, 1994; Woszidlo and Segrin, 2013).

With regards to the conflicts that emerge in marriages how

problems are solved is one of the crucial factors that affect the marital

process (Ahmadi et al., 2010; Bradbury et al., 2000; Hünler, 2002;

Williamson, Hanna, Lavner, Bradbury and Karney, 2013; Woszidlo

and Segrin, 2013). Marital self-efficacy also plays an effective role in

how to resolve problems that occur during marriage (Lopez et al., 2007;

Mitchell, 2012). When individuals believe they cannot successfully

138 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL solve conflicts they have with their spouses, they will put less effort in

finding a solution. Conflicts of individuals, who don’t believe they can

resolve them, can result with wrong or ineffective solutions. When the

belief in solving problems that individuals encounter decreases,

conflicts regarding these problems that occur between the couples

increase and as a result of ineffective solutions and unsuitable

relationships emerge (Cui et al., 2008). Thus, in order to effectively

solve problems, it is crucial for individuals to have high self-efficacy

beliefs in their relationships. When relationship self-efficacy beliefs of

individuals increase, their beliefs in effectively solving problems that

they encounter with their spouses increase as well (Doherty, 1981a,

1981b; Lopez et al., 2007; Thomas, 1998).

According to researches, marital and relationship self-efficacy

beliefs are related to effective problem solving skills (Bradbury and

Fincham, 1990; Cui et al., 2008; Doherty, 1981a, 1981b; Lam, 1998;

Lopez et al., 2007; Mitchell, 2012; Thomas, 1998). However, no

studies were conducted in Turkey that focused on examining the

relationship between relationship self-efficacy belief and effective

problem solving skills. For this reason, the relationship between marital

problem solving skills and marital self-efficacy belief is examined in

this research. Thus, the problem statement of the research is: Are

perceived marital problem solving skills of married individuals

significant predictors of their marital self-efficacy beliefs?


Method

The relational screening model, which is a descriptive research

method, was used in the study in order to predict married individuals’

marital self-efficacies. Population and sample, data collection

instruments and the process of the research were given below.

Population and Sample

The population consisted of married individuals who work in and

were parents of the public schools under the Ministry of National

Education in Bahçelievler, Istanbul during the 2012-2013 academic

periods. Stratified sampling method was used in the study. In the

stratified sampling method, if an excessive amount of clusters increase

the sample significantly, and then component sampling can be done

from each cluster (Karasar, 2010). Random disproportional cluster

sampling and random disproportional component sampling methods

were used respectively while choosing the samples. For the random

disproportional cluster sample, 94 public schools under the Ministry of

National Education in Bahçelievler, Istanbul were listed according to

the Ministry of National Education’s website (Ministry of National

Education, n.d.). A total of 17 schools which were selected randomly

constituted the cluster sample. A list of student parents and married

workers in these schools were listed by resorting to the institutions.

Individuals that were to be included in the sample were selected with

the random component sampling method. Individuals who work in the

instructions and ones who are student parents were listed separately

throughout this process. Because the number of married individuals

140 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL who work in schools were 236, all of the individuals who were listed

from the cluster sampling were included before carrying out the

component sampling. 236 married individuals were selected from the

student parents list to equal with the other list. A total of 472 married

individuals were selected with the stratified sampling method. All of

the participants in the list were contacted but only 430 individuals

wanted to participate in the study. After conducting the data collection

instruments on 430 participants and controlling the data, 393

participants were observed to complete all the data. This sample group

consisted of 393 married individuals who worked in and were student

parents of the public schools under the Ministry of National Education

in Bahçelievler, Istanbul.

Table 1. Frequency and Percentage Values of Participants in the

Sample According to Demographic Variables

F % 1.Relationship with the Institution Worker 201 51.1 Parent 192 48.9 2. Gender Female 296 75.3 Male 97 24.7 3. Age Between 24-39 252 64.1 Between 40-55 138 35.1 Unanswered 3 0.8 4. Educational Level Pre-License Education (High and Secondary School Graduate)

170 43.3

Bachelor’s Degree or Post-Graduate Education

223 56.7

6. Duration of Marriage 1-6 years 90 22.9 7-15 years 195 49.6 16 years and more 106 27 Unanswered 2 0.5 Total 393 100


Frequency and percentage values of participants of the sample

according to demographic variables were given in Table 1. According

to the relationship with the institution variable, 201 (51.1%) married

individuals work at school and 192 (48.9%) married individuals were

parents with a student that attends school. According to the gender

variable, 296 (75.3%) participants are female and 97 (24.7%)

participants are male. According to the age variable, 252 (64.1%)

participants are between the ages 24-39 and 138 (35.1%) participants

were between 40-55. 3 (0.8%) participants did not state their age.

According to the educational level variable, 170 (43.3%) participants

had pre-license degree and 223 (56.7%) participants had bachelor's or

postgraduate degree. According to life of marriage variable, 90 (22.9%)

participants were married for 1-6 years, 195 (49.6%) participants for

7-15 years and 106 (27%) participants for 16 or more years. 2 (0.5%)

participants did not state how long they have been married for.

Data Collection Instruments

Marital Self-Efficacy Scale: The Marital Self-Efficacy Scale introduced

by Cihan-Güngör and Özbay (2008) is a paper-and-pencil inventory

with a total of 33 items, two sub-dimensions and which requires the

individual to make a self-assessment. Marital Self-Efficacy Scale is a 5

point Likert scale. The first sub-dimension consists of 19 items that

measures the relationship with the spouse in marriage. The second

sub-dimension consists of 14 items that measures the relationship with

the close environment in marriage. It is conducted on individuals who

live together during the marriage relationship. The lowest score that can

142 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL be obtained from the scale is 33 and the highest score is 165. High

scores indicate that the individual has a high self-efficacy in his or her

marital relationship. Along with the total score that can be obtained

from the scale, one can also do scoring for each sub-dimension of the

scale. There are no reverse items in the scale. For the reliability of the

scale; internal consistency was evaluated for the overall scale and also

for each sub-dimension separately. Cronbach α internal consistency

coefficient was .96 for the overall scale. Internal consistency

coefficients for the relationship with the spouse sub-dimension were

.96 and .94 for the relationship with the close environment

sub-dimension. The item-total correlations range between .52 and .77

(Cihan-Güngör and Özbay, 2008).

Marital Problem Solving Scale: The Marital Problem Solving Scale

was introduced by Baugh, Avery and Sheets-Hawoth (1982) in order to

determine married individuals’ perceptions on their skills to solve

problems they encounter throughout their marriage. The scale consists

of 9 items and is a 7 point Likert scale. Internal consistency coefficient

of the original scale was .95 and test-retest correlation coefficient was

.86 (p<.001). There was a p<.001 significant difference between the

upper and lower quartiles of the scale scores. For the scale validity, its

correlation with Dyadic Adjustment Scale developed by Spainer (1976)

was examined and a r=.61; p<.001 point significant relationship was

detected between the two scales. Hünler (2002) adapted the scale into

the Turkish culture. The scale was translated into Turkish by three

experts who graduated from Middle East Technical University,

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 143 Department of Social Sciences and who knew both languages well. The

scale which was rated as 7 point in the original form was transformed

into a 5 point Likert scale. The highest score that can be obtained from

the scale is 45 and the lowest score is 9. High scores indicate that the

individual perceives him or herself successful with regards to marital

solving marital skills. The alpha coefficient of the scale was .88 and

item-total correlation ranges between .63 and .73. For the scale validity,

its correlation with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale developed by Spainer

(1976) and adapted into Turkish by Fışıloğlu and Demir (2000) was

examined and a r=.51; p<.001 point significant relationship was

detected between the two scales (Hünler, 2002).

Process

For the data analysis, a simple linear regression analysis was

conducted to analyze the data regarding “Relationship with the Spouse”

and “Relationship with the Close Environment” sub-dimensions of the

Marital Self-Efficacy Scale. To what extent married couple’s total

scores for the Marital Problem Solving Scale predict the “Relationship

with the Spouse” and “Relationship with the Close Environment”

sub-dimensions of the Marital Self-Efficacy Scale was determined. In

this study; total scores of “Relationship with the Spouse” and

“Relationship with the Close Environment” sub-dimensions of the

Marital Self-Efficacy Scale were predictor variables and total scores of

the Marital Problem Solving Scale were outcome variables.

144 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL

Results

First, descriptive statistics of survey data was given. Then the

results of the correlation and regression analyses of Marital

Self-Efficacy and Marital Problem Solving were presented.

Table 2. Means, Standard Deviations, Standard Error, Ranj, Minimum

and Maximum Values of The Marital Self-Efficacy Scale

Sub-Dimensions and Marital Problem Solving Scale Scores

N X ss Ranj Min Max

Relationship with the Spouse Sub Scale 393 79.43 13.04 0.66 66 29 95

Relationship with the Close Environment Sub Scale

393 57.82 10.98 0.55 52 18 70

Total Score of Marital Self-Efficacy Scale 393 137.25 20.98 1.06 113 52 165

Problem Solving Scale 393 36.65 6.71 0.34 36 9 45

Table 2 shows the means, standard deviations, standard error,

ranj, minimum and maximum values of the scales. Relationship with

the Spouse Sub Scale’s mean is 79.43 (ss=13.04). Relationship with the

Close Environment Sub Scale’s mean is 57.82 (ss=10.98). Marital

Self-Efficacy Scale’s mean is 137.25 (20.98). Problem Solving Scale’s

mean is 36.65 (ss=6.71).

There should be a statistical significant relationship between

variables for a regression analysis (Büyüköztürk, 2011). Pearson

Product-Moment Correlation analysis was conducted in order to

xSh

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 145 examine the relationship between perceived marital problem solving

skills and the relationship with spouse and close environment

self-efficacy belief variables. Analysis results are given in Table 3.

Table 3. Correlation Coefficients between Marital Self-Efficacy Scale

Sub-Dimensions and Marital Problem Solving Scale Scores

Relationship

with the Spouse

Relationship with the Close

Environment

Problem Solving

Relationship with the Spouse 1.00

Relationship with the Close Environment 0.52** 1.00

Problem Solving 0.53** 0.40** 1.00 **p<.001

As can be seen in Table 3, according to the results of the Pearson

Product-Moment Correlation analysis, which was conducted to

determine correlation coefficients between the sub-dimensions of the

Marital Self-Efficacy Scale and the scores of the Marital Problem

Solving Scale; there was a moderate and positive statistical significant

relationship between relationship with the spouse and relationship with

the close environment (r=0.52; p<.001); relationship with the spouse

and problem solving (r=0.53; p<.001); and relationship with the close

environment and problem solving (r=0.40; p<.001). A simple

regression analysis was conducted after relationships between the

variables were detected.

Results of the simple linear regression analysis, conducted in

order to determine whether the perceived problem solving skill was a

146 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL significant predictor of the self-efficacy belief of relationships with the

partner in marriage, were given on Table 4.

Table 4. Linear Regression Analysis Results on Predicting Marital

Self-Efficacy Scale Relationship with the Spouse Scores According to

Marital Problem Solving Scale Scores

Variable B StandardError Β T p R R2 F p

Constant 41.52 3.10 13.39 .000 0.53 0.28 154.20 .000

Marital Problem Solving

1.03 0.08 0.53 12.41 .000

It was evident on Table 4 that according to the simple linear

regression analysis, which was conducted to reveal the predictive

power of “Relationship with the Spouse” scores of the Marital

Self-Efficacy Scale regarding the Marital Problem Solving Scale

scores, there was a significant relationship between the scores of the

Marital Problem Solving Scale and the Relationship with the Spouse

sub-dimension of the Marital Self-Efficacy Scale (R=0.532; R2=0.28).

The predictive power of Marital Problem Solving Scale scores

regarding the “Relationship with the Spouse” sub-dimension of the

Marital Self-Efficacy Scale was statistically significant (F=154.200;

df=1; p<.001). The marital problem solving score explained 28% of the

variance of the relationship with the spouse score.

Results of the simple linear regression analysis, conducted in

order to determine whether the perceived problem solving skill is a

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 147 significant predictor of the self-efficacy belief of relationships with the

close environment in marriage, were given on Table 5.

Table 5. Linear Regression Analysis Results on Predicting Marital

Self-Efficacy Scale Relationship with the Close Environment Scores

According to Marital Problem Solving Scale Scores

Variable B Standard Error Β t p R R2 F p

Constant 33.52 2.82 11.88 .000 0.405 0.16 76.48 .000

Marital Problem Solving

0.662 0.07 0.405 8.74 .000

It was evident on Table 5 that, according to the simple linear

regression analysis, which was conducted to reveal the predictive

power of “Relationship with the Close Environment” scores of the

Marital Self-Efficacy Scale regarding the Marital Problem Solving

Scale scores, there was a significant relationship between the scores of

the Marital Problem Solving Scale and the “Relationship with the Close

Environment” sub-dimension of the Marital Self-Efficacy Scale

(R=0.405; R2=0.16). The predictive power of Marital Problem Solving

Scale score regarding the “Relationship with the Close Environment”

sub-dimension of the Marital Self-Efficacy Scale was statistically

significant (F=76.488; df=1; p<.001). The marital problem solving

score explained 16% of the variance of the relationship with the close

environment score.

148 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL

Discussion

According to the research findings, the perceived problem

solving skill significantly predicted the marital self-efficacy belief for

relationship with the spouse and the close environment. The marital

problem solving score explains 28% of the variance of the relationship

with the spouse score and the marital problem solving score explained

16% of the variance of the relationship with the close environment

score. This finding suggests that the individuals’ perception on having

marital problem solving skills is effective in explaining the marital

self-efficacy belief. However, no studies were found in Turkey that

examines the relationship between married individuals’ problem

solving skills and marital self-efficacy beliefs.

The relationship between relationship self-efficacy belief and

problems solving skills were explored in foreign studies (Bradbury and

Fincham, 1990; Cui et al., 2008; Doherty, 1981a, 1981b; Lam, 1998;

Lopez et al., 2007; Mitchell, 2012; Thomas, 1998). Findings of this

research are in line with the results of these mentioned studies. The

individuals with high self-efficacy beliefs are successful at attaining

their goals, having problem solving skills, being patient and showing

high level of performance (Bandura, 1977, 1986). The individuals with

low self-efficacy beliefs have low self-perceptions regarding their skills

(Bandura, 2001). They display ineffective marital problem solving

behaviors (Bradbury, 1989). In short, it can be stated that problem

solving skills are closely related to the concept of self-efficacy belief.


In studies which examine the relationship between relationship

self-efficacy and problem solving, it was detected that problem solving

skills are crucial factors for the self-efficacy belief. Doherty (1981a,

1981b) states that self-efficacy expectations in relationships affect the

attitudes during a conflict and that while high level of relationship

self-efficacy enables marital problem solving, low level of relationship

self-efficacy leads to ineffective problem solving. Cui et al. (2008)

underline that relationship efficacy plays a crucial role in effectively

settling a conflict and reaching relationship satisfaction. Thomas (1998)

claimed that couples with high relationship efficacy are more

successful at solving problems. Lopez et al. (2007) stated that a high

level of relationship efficacy that individuals process enables them to

solve conflicts effectively. Thus, in order to effectively solve problems,

it is crucial for individuals to have high self-efficacy beliefs in their

relationships. When relationship self-efficacy beliefs of individuals

increase, their beliefs in effectively solving problems that they

encounter with their partners increase as well (Doherty, 1981a, 1981b;

Lopez et al., 2007; Thomas, 1998). All these studies are in line with the

research findings. In other words, study results supported the finding

that problem solving skills of individuals significantly predicted marital

self-efficacy beliefs regarding the relationship with the spouse. There

were no studies that explored the relationship between the individuals’

self-efficacy beliefs regarding their relationship with the close

environment and their marital problem skills. However, it is expected

for individuals who believe that they have effective problem solving

150 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL skills to have a high level of self-efficacy belief regarding their

relationship with the close environment.

According to studies on marital problem solving skills, effective

problem solving skills in marital issues have a significant contribution

to marital satisfaction (Erbek et al., 2005). It is important for couples to

avoid displaying negative expressions to each other while solving

problems (Stanley and Trathem, 1994). Destructive and negative

communication between couples is linked to the decrease in marital

quality and effectiveness and to the increase in divorce rates (Bradbury

et al., 2000; Birditt et al., 2010; Stanley, Markman and Whitton, 2002)

Couples are not always expected to arrive at a consensus. However,

reaching a common ground and seeking ways to arrive at a consensus is

necessary for a healthy relationship (Canel, 2007; Rosen-Grandon,

1998). In short, with regards to effective problem solving behaviors;

displaying constructive behaviors such as cooperating, making a

positive communication, arguing in a calm manner and actively

listening are factors that increase the effectiveness in marriages

(Akçabozan and Hatipoğlu-Sümer, 2013; Birditt et al., 2010; Hacı,

2011; Özen, 2006; Tallman and Hsiao 2004). Studies underline that

adjustment in marriage increases when intra-family communication is

more effective and when couples increase the search for positive

solutions for conflicts (Ahmadi et al., 2010; Akgün and Polat-Uluocak;

2010; Chiu, 1998; Ebenuwa-Okoh, 2008; Greef and De Bruyne, 2000;

Güven, 2005; Hacı, 2011; Hünler and Gençöz, 2003; Karney and

Kalem Eğitim ve İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi 2016, 6 (1), 129-159 151 Bradbury, 1997; Malkoç, 2001; Özen, 2006; Sardoğan and Karahan;

2005; Winemiller and Mitchell, 1994; Woszidlo and Segrin, 2013).

According to the research, there is a relationship between

perceived problem solving skills of married individuals and their

marital self-efficacy beliefs. Findings of this research are in line with

the literature findings. From this point of view, it can be said that

having effective problem solving skills is crucial for marital

relationships. Married individuals can settle their marital issues more

easily and effectively with their problem solving skills. Solving marital

disagreements effectively will increase the belief of individuals to

overcome their marital problems. In other words, marital self-efficacy

beliefs of the individuals will increase. Thus, it can be said that having

effective marital problem solving skills is a substantial variable for

marital self-efficacy belief.

This study, whose purpose was to examine marital self-efficacy

belief, was conducted on married individuals in Bahçelievler, Istanbul.

New results can be obtained from data that are collected from new

sample groups of new studies. In addition, the term self-efficacy has a

history in Turkey but the term marital self-efficacy is rather new. It is

believed to be beneficial and effective to examine the relationship

between marital self-efficacy belief and various variables (such as

relationship satisfaction, relationship adjustment, relationship

stability). When researches are examined, it is obvious that there are no

experimental studies in Turkey directed at increasing marital

self-efficacy levels of married couples. Thus, it is believed that carrying

152 Arş. Gör. Seher Merve ERUS / Yrd. Doç. Dr. Azize Nilgün CANEL out experimental studies will have major contributions to the field.

Qualitative researches can be conducted to determine how our age,

educational level, life of marriage, number of children, maltreatment of

spouse, perceived relationship romance and getting along with the

spouses family variables affect marital self-efficacy belief.

In the field of application, it is evident that marital self-efficacy

belief has a major role in increasing marital effectiveness. Thus,

practices aiming at increasing marital self-efficacy beliefs of married

couples under the guidance of marriage and family counseling can be

carried out. Such practices can be carried out through pre-marital

preparation programs, oriented at young couples who are getting ready

for marriage or selecting a spouse, as prohibitive measures that can help

couples to improve their efficacy beliefs. In addition, based on the

study findings, the fact that marital self-efficacy decreases at later ages

can be considered while conducting studies on married couples over the

age of 40. Having effective problem solving skills promotes a healthy

and functional marriage. Thus, problem solving skills can be provided

for couples under family counseling services. Findings of this study

suggest that by providing effective problem solving skills, individuals’

marital self-efficacy beliefs can be increased.

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